Songstress Jacqueline Loughman was today signing copies of her first CD - and she's just 12 years old.

Redcar Community College pupil Jacqueline, who uses the recording name Jaki, penned the lyrics to the featured track, Confused, herself.

It was then recorded as part of an arrangement between the 'Can You?' music project and the college, which has specialist status in visual and performing arts.

And with 100 of the 300 pressed CDs already sold at £3 a time, it's set to make a tidy sum for charity.

Year 8 pupil Jaki was today signing copies at McDonald's in Redcar.

And who knows - there could be similar sessions to come if she succeeds in her dream of being a singer or actress.

Jaki, of Essex Close, Redcar, says she has loved singing since the age of three or four.

But it was only when she was chosen from music auditions at the college last September that the CD idea took off.

Chris McCormack, the college's home-school liaison officer, is heavily involved with the school's music output and last year managed its own teen pop duo, Extreme - Jade Nichols and Samantha Eddon.

He said of Jaki: "When she auditioned, we realised immediately she had a very powerful, mature voice.

"She's worked very hard since then, practising at school and writing songs. For one of them, Confused, the Can You? team got a backing track together, she recorded the vocals at Studio 64 in Middlesbrough and the result is fantastic.

"She has an exceptional voice and if she keeps at it, she could have a career in music."

Described by Chris as a "pop love song", Confused will have a video, interspersing clips of Jaki recording the song with scenes shot at Saltburn.

There'll even be an official launch party on June 10 at the Tall Trees in Yarm.

But what was does Jaki make of her CD adventure?

The youngster, who admires songbird Eva Cassidy and soul diva Whitney Houston, said: "I've always said to my mum that I want to be a singer or actress, and singing at school has helped boost my confidence and train my voice.

"When I first heard the CD, I thought 'is that really me?' It sounded class but a bit scary at the same time."

The CD also features covers of The Police's "Every Breath You Take" and "What If?" by Kate Winslet.

Proceeds from its sale will be split between the college's attendance prize draw scheme and Redcar children's cancer charity The Katie Trust.